Canadian researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health (CAMH) say that worldwide, alcohol is directly related to the premature
deaths of 1 in 25 people, despite the fact that the majority of adults
worldwide abstain from alcohol. This number has risen since 2000; a rise caused,
say researchers, by an increase in heavy drinking by women and increases in some developing countries.

The majority of alcohol caused deaths were linked to
cirrhosis, cancer, injury or cardiovascular disease.

In Europe, alcohol is related to 1 in 15 early deaths and across
the former Soviet Union, alcohol causes the untimely
death of 1 in 10.

Although alcohol related deaths are increasing, Dr. Jurgen
Rehm of CAMH says that we have reason to be optimistic. He says that we know of
many cost effective interventions that are proven to reduce the social harms of
alcohol – and that it is simply up to policy makers to implement this research
knowledge, into wider practice.

CAMH has been active in alcohol policy research. Some of the
interventions CAMH recommends as effective include:

Reducing
the minimal allowable BAC for new drivers (In Canada CAMH endorsed policy
that requires young and newer drivers to maintain a 0% BAC)

Reducing
the density of alcohol sale outlets

Increasing
the prices of alcohol

Increasing
the use of brief assessments done by doctors for alcohol use disorders

Increasing
the use of brief interventions by healthcare professionals

In Europe, the average adult
consumes 13 units of alcohol per week (one unit is equivalent to a can of
regular strength beer). The North American average is slightly lower, at 10 or
11 drinks per week. The global average is 7 drinks per week.

Dr Rehm compared the influence of alcohol on world health to
the influence of smoking on world health during the year 2000. Today,
developing countries, such as China
and India,
account for much of the growth of alcohol consumption.

Here are 2 facts about alcoholism: It tends to get worse over time (it is progressive) and most people experience a fairly similar progression of symptoms and consequences. Here is a timeline which charts the progressive experiences of alcoholism through the early, middle and late stages. If you have a drinking problem, find out where you fall on the timeline and consider what’s coming in the future. Read Article